EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sarah Michelle Gellar

SarahMichelleGellar has a HUGE range of acting work. From the ever popular ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ to her roles as Daphne in the ‘Scooby Doo’ movies, she’s recognized by movie and television fans everywhere.

Now Sarah is a mom, and always concerned about the health of her kids. Recently, she’s teamed up with the March of Dimes and SanofiPasteur for the SoundsofPertussis campaign. We got to talk to her about pertussis and what can be done to prevent the spread.

Fanlala: First off, tell us about your kids and what it’s like to be a mom.

Sarah Michelle Gellar: Being a parent is the greatest gift that I’ve ever known. I feel incredibly blessed to wake up and get to spend the day with my children. And it just makes you realize the importance of keeping them healthy and keeping everyone’s children healthy.

F: What is the Sounds of Pertussis campaign about?

SMG: Sounds of Pertussis is a partnership is a partnership between Sanofi Pasteur and March of Dimes, and we’re raising awareness not just for pertussis, but for adult vaccinations called t-dap. And we’re finding that, even if you were vaccinated as a child, that after time, the vaccination wanes. And what we’re really asking if that adults please get the t-dap booster, which is the only way to prevent the spread of this potentially fatal illness.

F: How can you raise awareness about the disease and campaign?

SMG: The best thing I can do is talk to people like you, and I tell someone, then you tell someone, they tell someone. And the best thing that I’m finding is when you mention in, people go “Wow, I didn’t even know I was supposed to get it!” And that’s the way we spread awareness instead of spreading an illness.

F: What are the symptoms of whooping cough so that people can look out for it?

SMG: The symptoms are a large whooping sound type cough. The best way I can describe it, and you can find this at SoundsOfPertussis.com, and you can hear what signs to look for.

Even though school is out, it's always good to look ahead to the future. Stay healthy and stay safe by keeping up to date with your doctor. It's never a bad idea!